|
Key Insight:
|
Nutrition and proper care are crucial things that keep us alive. Not only are they a necessity for your body, but also for your optimal hair growth. The importance of routine hair oiling for fine hair may have perhaps been mentioned to us by our grandparents.
They used to say so because hair oiling shields your scalp against harmful outside elements and helps helps in controlling hair fall. Moreover, regular hair oiling keeps your scalp nourished and moisturized. The hair oil strengthens your hair follicles by penetrating deep into your scalp and ensures a thick, glossy, and sleek hair appearance over time.
Is hair oil good for hair or is oiling good for hair? Or Why oiling is important for hair? Hair oiling is still a crucial element of your regular hair care regimen even though shampooing and conditioning your locks are necessary for healthy hair growth. That’s because it supports your hair’s overall health and has many other advantages. As said earlier, this ancient Ayurvedic practice softens your hair and also provides nutrition to keep the hair healthy and radiant. So, let’s explore the features of hair oil, oiling hair benefits
|
Did You Know
|
Benefits of Oiling Hair Regularly
Here is the list of hair oil benefits or advantages of oiling hair:
- Adds shine, lustre, & moisture to your hair
- Promotes visible hair growth
- Lowers lice risk
- Dandruff prevention
- Protects fungal and bacterial infection
- Promotes hair root strengthening and prevents premature greying
- Excellent stress buster
- Improves tensile strength and elasticity
- Offers deep conditioning
1. Adds shine, luster, & moisture to your hair
The best way to get silky and shiny hair is to always keep it hydrated. According to a study, coconut, almond, and argon oils can significantly boost the moisture level in your body to revitalize your hair. Furthermore, a recent study revealed that coconut oil improves the strength and growth of hair follicles or fibres.
Today, hair oiling is an excellent therapeutic remedy for individuals with affected hair due to heat damage and intense styling. The oil fills the gaps with the much-needed moisture and keeps the hair shiny, lustrous, and smooth.
2. Promotes visible hair growth
Except for the benefits oils provide, the massage technique used while applying the hair oil also has many benefits. The hair oil massaging method stimulates or enhances the blood circulation to the scalp.
This ensures supplying the necessary nutrients to the scalp to always keep your hair well-nourished. Plus, the stress-relief factor is another factor that helps prevent hair loss. The fact that various oils include vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy hair is among the key advantages of oiling your hair every day.
While olive oil consists of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B3, B6, and B12, almond oil comes with Vitamin E, K, and B. They are all necessary for maintaining hair since exposure to the outdoors causes your hairline to deteriorate.
Also read:
- How to prevent Grey hair with a touch of Ayurveda?
- Simple steps to stop hair Thinning at home
- Henna benefits for hair Strength & Shine
3. Lowers lice risk
A dry, brittle scalp attracts lice. Furthermore, they are drawn to the germs because of your scalp's dead skin-induced bacterial growth.
Many oils stimulate the skin, eliminate dead skin cells, and alleviate skin dryness. Combining these elements can help stop the development of hair lice. Certain hair oils, such olive oil, also have antimicrobial characteristics.
4. Dandruff prevention
Similar to lice, dandruff is lured to a visibly dry and perspirant scalp; however, since debris and pollutants can dry out the scalp, this may prove troublesome. The accumulation of dead skin cells, another cause of dandruff, can be avoided by using castor oil three times a week overnight.
5. Protects fungal & bacterial infection
Most oils contain antifungal qualities, just like they do with antibacterial ones. These characteristics prevent fungal growth and fungus diseases. It's crucial to keep in mind that fungal pathogens spread when there is an excess of moisture.
Regularly oiling and washing your hair and scalp can promote maintaining a healthy balance of moisture.
Today, most hair oils available in the market come with antibacterial properties. When someone applies these oils to the scalp, it helps them prevent bacterial infections on the hair.
This infection is usually caused when your hair is exposed to bad weather. The remaining germs on the dead skin and hair are another reason why bacterial infections occur on someone’s hair. The best solution to get rid of this is applying hair oils on the scalp.
6. Promotes hair root strengthening & prevents premature greying
Frequent hair oil application removes dead skin cells on your scalp and purges toxins that are bad for your hair. This greatly stimulates your roots and purges the bad germs from your hair shaft.
Using hair oil further restores nutrients that have been lost to your scalp and hair, thereby strengthening the hair strands. Another typical problem that most individuals deal with is early hair greying. It is primarily brought on by a shortage in vital vitamins or inadequate hydration of the scalp.
Frequent hair oiling assures that your scalp absorbs the essential nutrients and vitamins it needs, as well as the right nutrients. Hence, regularly oiling your hair may serve as your greatest weapon against early greying.
7. Excellent stress buster
You’ve seen that hair oiling benefits us in many ways. However, a good old-fashioned hair oil massage can relieve your stress and ensure mind-body relaxation. The increased blood flow throughout the scalp due to the massaging technique provides a relaxing and calming sensation.
As a result, frequent hair oiling can effectively reduce tension. Although oiling your hair has various advantages, the subject of "which oil is the finest for hair?" frequently causes confusion. In terms of hair lubrication, this might perhaps be the most frequently requested query.
There may not be a clear-cut solution, but several kinds of hair oils still provide advantages for your scalp and hair. These include almond oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and more.
8. Improves tensile strength and elasticity
Tensile strength is the amount of stress that hair can bear before breaking when it is pulled or stretched. Hair has the ability to regain its original shape after being bent or twisted. The harmony of hair keratin for water promotes the elasticity of hair. Up to 20 to 30 per cent of the length of dry hair can be stretched. When combined with water, it could improve by up to 50%.
A study indicates that using hair oil right away after bathing or washing may cause curls to retain water. Hair oil also aids in the moisture retention of your silky hair.
The tensile strength and breaking point can be extended by the presence of moisture and oil in the hair.
9. Offers deep conditioning
A ResearchGate study suggests that hair follicle damage may be repaired by using hair oil with a coconut base. The porosity of curls is improved by applying hair oils to both the cortex, which is the thickest layer of hair between the medulla and the cuticle, and their surface.
Consequently, routine hair oiling aids in preventing damage and hair loss from regular washing or other causes. For shiny hair and a healthy scalp, use our suggested hair oil.
Expert Opinion on Oiling Hair
According to the "Indian Cosmetic Market Outlook 2018," accessed on December 21, 2020, hair care products, especially hair oils, hold a significant share in India’s cosmetic market. A survey in Karnal City highlighted that popular hair oils among Indian consumers include olive oil (brands like Keo Karpin and Brahmi Amla), coconut oil, almond oil, and argan oil (Vatika hair oil). These oils are commonly preferred for their nourishing properties. Experts, including celebrities and doctors, often recommend hair oiling as a beneficial practice for maintaining healthy hair, emphasising its role in strengthening and adding shine.
Also, do check our 100% Ayurvedic onion oil.
When to Apply Oil on Hair?
The ideal time to oil your hair will depend on your schedule and personal preferences. Depending on the needs of your hair, you can choose from the following usual times to apply hair oil:
1. Before washing
Many people would rather use hair oil than shampoo. In addition to nourishing hair, this can shield it from shampoo's drying effects.
2. Overnight
Your hair can be deeply nourished and moisturized as you sleep if you use hair oil overnight. To keep the oil off your pillow, you can wrap a towel around your head or wear a shower hat.
3. Before styling
Use a small amount of hair oil to shield your hair from heat damage if you want to use heat styling equipment like a curling iron or flat iron.
4. After washing
Frizz can be minimised and moisture can be retained in damp hair by applying hair oil. Just start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots using a small amount of oil.
Best Types of Hair Oils
Hair oils can be divided into two main types: carrier oils and essential oils. Each type has its own benefits and can help improve hair health in different ways. Let's explore carrier and essential oils to understand which are best for hair strength and shine.
1. Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are the main oils that can be directly applied to the hair and scalp. They are usually extracted from seeds, nuts, or kernels and are rich in nutrients that help nourish the hair.
- Coconut Oil: It is rich in fatty acids that penetrate the hair shaft, making hair strong and reducing protein loss. It keeps the scalp moisturised and helps in preventing dandruff. It also protects hair from sun damage and makes it shiny.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins A and E, which help keep hair soft and manageable. It reduces frizz and split ends, making hair smooth. It also strengthens hair roots and prevents breakage.
- Almond Oil: Almond oil is rich in vitamins E and B7, which help in keeping the hair thick and shiny. It prevents hair from becoming dry and also helps in reducing scalp inflammation and dandruff.
- Castor Oil: It is known for promoting hair growth and thickness. It contains ricinoleic acid that improves blood flow to the scalp, helping hair grow faster. It also adds a natural shine and reduces scalp infections.
- Sesame Oil: This oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair and scalp. It helps reduce hair fall and prevent premature greying. It also protects the hair from harmful UV rays.
- Argan Oil: Known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps in repairing damaged hair, adds shine, and makes hair soft. It is also great for controlling frizzy hair and split ends.
2. Essential Oils
- Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from plants. They must be mixed with carrier oils before being applied to the hair. They have special properties that can solve specific hair problems.
- Lavender: Lavender oil helps balance the scalp's natural oils and promotes hair growth. It also has a calming effect and can reduce stress, which indirectly helps reduce hair loss.
- Tea Tree Oil: This oil is great for treating dandruff and itchy scalp. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties keep the scalp clean and healthy. It also helps unclog hair follicles, allowing hair to grow freely.
- Peppermint Oil: It provides a relaxed, tingling feeling that helps in increasing blood flow to the scalp. This helps in stimulating hair growth and reducing hair loss. It also helps in keeping the scalp fresh and free from bacteria.
- Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is known for thickening hair and preventing thinning. It helps in improving circulation to the scalp, which encourages hair growth. It also reduces dandruff and adds shine to dull hair.
- Chamomile Oil: It soothes the scalp and helps make hair soft and shiny. It also has lightening properties, which can add natural highlights to the hair when used regularly.
- Lemon Oil: It helps in balancing the oil production on the scalp, keeping it clean and fresh. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent scalp infections and keep hair shiny.
- Cedarwood Oil: This oil helps in balancing the scalp’s oil-producing glands, making it good for both dry and oily hair types. It helps in reducing hair loss and can also improve hair growth when used regularly.
- Eucalyptus Oil: It helps in reducing scalp inflammation and irritation. It also promotes healthy hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and helps in reducing dandruff.
Combining these oils can greatly benefit your hair, making it strong, shiny, and healthy. Remember, essential oils should always be mixed with carrier oils before applying to avoid irritation. Regular oiling with these oils can help achieve naturally beautiful hair that is strong and full of shine.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Oiling Hair
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, believes that hair oiling is an important practice for healthy hair. According to Ayurveda, regular oiling helps in nourishing the hair and scalp, making the hair strong, shiny, and less prone to breakage. Oils like coconut, sesame, and almond are commonly used because they are rich in nutrients that keep the hair roots healthy.
Hair oiling is not just about applying oil; it also includes gently massaging the scalp. This massage improves blood circulation to the hair roots, helping the hair grow better and faster. It also relaxes the mind and reduces stress, which is one of the reasons for hair fall. Massaging the scalp with oil makes the hair soft and prevents dryness.
Ayurveda suggests using natural oils without any chemicals. These oils help in keeping the scalp cool and prevent problems like dandruff. Regular oiling protects hair from pollution, dirt, and harmful sun rays. Oiling the hair at least once a week is advised to see the best results. In simple terms, hair oiling, according to Ayurveda, is like giving food to your hair, making it strong, healthy, and beautiful naturally.
Also check our in-depth guide on Hair Oil vs Hair Serum.
Is Oiling Actually Good for Hair?
Yes, oiling has proven hair care benefits, as validated by research. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science states that oils can help revive hair by providing a much-needed moisture boost. The study confirmed that oils penetrate the hair shaft and minimise moisture loss through their occlusive properties.
A 2021 study in the International Journal of Trichology also demonstrated that compounds like lauric acid in coconut oil can strengthen and protect hair protein structure. This makes hair fibres smoother and less prone to damage over time.
External oiling fills gaps in protein structure to retain moisture and maintain texture, especially for hair exposed to intensive heat styling, colouring procedures, or weather damage. So, people struggling with dry, frizzy hair and split ends can definitely benefit from regular oiling paired with gentle washing. The oil seals holes in cuticles and adds lubrication to keep hair looking healthy.
In summary, scientific research provides ample proof that external oiling with suitable natural oils nourishes hair, reduces protein loss, and protects from environmental damage, translating into smooth, lustrous tresses.
In addition to this you can also check our 100% pure ayurvedic range of:
What is the Right Way of Oiling Your Hair?
Here are the steps to oil your hair properly based on Ayurvedic guidance:
- Step 1: Wash and dry your hair. Ayurveda recommends oiling hair once a week. If your hair is dry or has excess dandruff, you can oil it twice or thrice a week.
- Step 2: Place lukewarm coconut, olive, or sesame oil in a small bowl. Ensure the oil is not hot.
- Step 3: Dip your fingertips in the lukewarm oil and part your hair at the top of your head with your other hand.
- Step 4: Use your oiled fingertips to massage the oil gently onto your scalp in circular motions. Cover your entire scalp section by section.
- Step 5: Once the scalp is oiled, use your fingers to apply a thin layer of oil along the entire length of your hair while combing through with your fingers. Don't apply excess oil.
- Step 6: Massage your scalp using gentle, tiny circular strokes for 2-3 minutes. This boosts blood circulation, allowing better oil absorption.
- Step 7: Tie your oiled hair in a bun or wear a shower cap. Leave the oil on, ideally overnight or for at least 30 minutes, before washing off with a mild shampoo.
Common Myths and Misconceptions Related to Oiling Hair Regularly
Here are some of the common myths and misconceptions of oiling hair:
1. Oiling Makes Hair Greasy and Limp
Many avoid oiling their hair, thinking it will make it limp, flat, and greasy. However, regular oiling provides nourishment, minimises dryness and balances moisture while promoting volume. Using the right quantity of suitable oils prevents greasiness.
2. It Leads to Increased Hair Fall
Some believe massaging oils into the scalp leads to excessive hair loss as strands get pulled out while combing post-oiling. However, gentle application of lukewarm oils enhances blood circulation, nourishes follicles, and strengthens roots to reduce hair fall caused by damage over time.
3. Oil Cannot Moisturize Already Dry Hair
Many think oiling works only as a preventative against drying but cannot treat existing dryness. This is false—oils penetrate porous, dry hair shafts easily to replenish lost lipids. Additionally, their occlusive effect prevents moisture loss, improving texture with regular use.
4. It Slows Down Hair Growth
Certain claims suggest blocking hair pores with thick oils may inhibit growth. However, traditional texts and modern research highlight nourishing oils' ability to boost growth by coating strands to limit protein loss while stimulating blood flow to follicles. So, oiling helps faster growth.
5. People With Oily Scalp Should Not Oil Their Hair
While excessive oiling can aggravate oily scalps, massaging diluted oils into roots can even them out by balancing sebum production if done right. Alternatively, those with oily scalps can lightly focus on mid-lengths and ends while washing roots thoroughly post-oiling.
6. Chemical Oils Are Better Than Natural Oils
Many falsely believe mineral oils and silicones nourish hair better and offer easier wash-off than vegetable or nut oils. However, these synthetic oils lack nutrients. Plant oils penetrate better to strengthen hair minus build-up or residue problems during washing.
Conclusion
The Ayurveda gave rise to the practice of hair oiling as a remedy for healthy hair. Frequent oiling could shield hair from pollutants and shampoo's harmful ingredients. Moreover, it might improve hydration, gloss, and luster in addition to possibly stopping hair loss.
Given the many benefits of hair oiling, it’s never too late to get started with your hair care regime and include hair oil in it. With the best hair oil products, like the ones you get at the ZanduCare store, you will find it easy and cost-effective to begin with your hair care routine.
Explore the finest collection of hair oil products at ZanduCare and take a step towards better hair growth and development.
Also do check our related guides:
FAQs
1. What is the best time interval for applying oil in hair?
Although it may seem impractical to many people, Ayurveda recommends oiling your hair regularly without any skipping. It suggests people to adopt hair oil application as a part of their daily regimen (or dinacharya). According to experts, twice a week is the perfect routine for hair oil application. They usually suggest applying the hair oil the night before you intend on shampooing the hair.
2. What are the best types of oils for hair oiling?
Although castor oil is the best type of hair oil, people can also use other types of oil for hair like coconut oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, and olive oil. Most of these oils are rich in vitamins and minerals along with fatty acids. This ensures better, thicker, and faster hair growth.
3. Is regular hair oiling beneficial?
Oiling is mostly done to prepare the scalp for conditioning. An oil massage stimulates the hair roots and improves blood flow to the scalp, both of which promote hair growth. Frequent oiling could shield hair from pollutants and shampoo's harmful ingredients. Moreover, it might improve hydration, gloss, and shine while also possibly halting hair loss.
4. Will applying hair oil make my hair thick?
Oiling is a powerful approach to give hair more thickness, increase blood flow, and get a lovely shine. Moreover, it encourages hair development by stimulating hair follicles.
5. Is it advisable to comb hair after applying hair oil?
It is normal to use your comb to reduce tangles immediately after rubbing oil into your hair. Yet since it's a typical blunder, you must stay away from it. When you get a decent oil massage, your scalp relaxes and becomes brittle; brushing your hair right away might lead to thinning hair and hair loss.
References
- The importance of routine hair oiling for fine hair may have perhaps been mentioned to us by our grandparents. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
- According to a study, coconut, almond, and argon oils can significantly boost the moisture level in your body to revitalise your hair. (https://www.ijitee.org/)
- The hair oil massaging method stimulates or enhances blood circulation to the scalp. (https://www.researchgate.net/)
- Furthermore, they are drawn to the germs because of your scalp's dead skin-induced bacterial growth. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
